FWD manifesto calls on political parties to help unlock growth in wholesale sector

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has on Tuesday published its manifesto, which calls on political parties to work with the wholesale sector to ensure it can thrive to play a full and active role in future economic prosperity across the UK. 

With an annual turnover of £25.6 billion, generated across all regions of the UK, the wholesale sector is a fundamental part of the UK economy. However, like much of the country, wholesalers have not been immune to the shocks that have been felt right across the economy. A recent survey of FWD members found that they have on average seen a 14 per cent rise in the cost of buying goods this year, with overall business costs rising by 10 per cent.

As the political parties write their plans for the next government and the years ahead, FWD has published its manifesto to kick-start a conversation on how some of the knotty challenges in the sector can be addressed.

The document sets out clear and deliverable actions under five themes to help transform the UK economy which are: growth, employment, sustainability, communities and the supply chain.

“Wholesalers are the lifeblood of the nation – from supporting high street restaurants to supplying hospitals, schools and local retailers with food, the FWD membership is delivering for the people of the UK, in every region,” James Bielby, FWD chief executive, said.

“If we look ahead to the next decade, it’s clear that at home and abroad we are on the cusp of climate transformation, and the food supply chain is central to this. Our manifesto is therefore an open invitation to all in Westminster to work with us to ensure the wholesale sector can play a full and active role in driving future economic prosperity to every region in the UK.

“I look forward to talking through all of our deliverable policy asks to make the case for the wholesale sector in the weeks and months ahead.”

Welcoming the publication, Mark Spencer, minister for food, farming and fisheries, said: “For many years, FWD has championed and promoted the interests of food and drink wholesalers within Westminster and Whitehall. I look forward to working with FWD to ensure its members can deliver growth and prosperity to every corner of the UK.”

Shadow environment minister Daniel Zeichner MP, added: “FWD is the voice of UK food and drink wholesalers and I congratulate them on the publication of their manifesto today. The document sets out a series of actions to drive forward growth, which Labour will consider carefully as we prepare for a General Election. I look forward to working with FWD and its membership to support and drive forward the wholesale sector in the years ahead.”